The Curious Case of Earwax: What It Is and Why You Shouldn't Always Remove It

For centuries, humans have been fascinated—and perhaps a little obsessed—with earwax. Archaeological digs have unearthed ancient grooming kits complete with ear scoops, proving that earwax removal is no modern fad. But what exactly is earwax, and is our quest to eliminate it actually beneficial?

What is Earwax?

Earwax, technically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced in the outer ear canal. Interestingly, humans aren't the only mammals with earwax. It's a mixture of several components:

Sloughed-off skin cells: Just like the rest of our skin, the cells lining the ear canal are constantly renewing.
Sweat: Not the cooling kind you get from exercise, but an oilier secretion from apocrine glands, similar to those in your armpits.
Sebum: This fatty oil is also found on your face and scalp.

These components combine to form the substance we know as earwax.

The Two Types of Earwax

Earwax isn't a one-size-fits-all substance. It varies in color, odor, and consistency. You might have:

Dry, flaky earwax
Sticky, gooey earwax

The type of earwax you have is determined by a single gene, which influences the amount of fat secreted by the apocrine sweat glands in your ears. Interestingly, earwax type often correlates with ancestry. People of East Asian descent are more likely to have dry earwax, while those of African and European descent tend to have the wetter variety.

The Purpose of Earwax

So, why do we have earwax in the first place? It turns out this substance plays a vital role in ear health:

Lubrication: Earwax keeps the ear canal moisturized, preventing dryness and itchiness.
Debris Trapping: It acts like a sticky trap, capturing dust, dirt, and other foreign particles before they reach the eardrum.
Microbial Defense: Earwax contains proteins that actively fight bacterial infections, providing a first line of defense against harmful microbes.
Physical Barrier: It forms a physical barrier that protects the delicate skin of the ear canal.

The Ear's Self-Cleaning Mechanism

Our ears are designed to naturally get rid of earwax. New skin cells form at the eardrum and gradually push older cells towards the ear canal opening. This creates a conveyor belt effect, carrying dead skin cells and oily secretions outwards. The skin within the ear canal migrates about 100 micrometers daily, eventually pushing the wax out of the ear.

The Dangers of Over-Cleaning

While it might be tempting to grab a cotton swab and dig in, cleaning your ears too aggressively can do more harm than good.

Pushing wax further in: Instead of removing earwax, swabs often push it deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages.
Scratching the ear canal: Swabs can scratch the delicate skin, disrupting its natural barrier against infection.
Perforating the eardrum: Deep cleaning carries the risk of puncturing the eardrum, which can cause permanent damage and hearing loss.

Avoid Ear Candling

Ear candling, also known as ear coning, is a dangerous practice that involves inserting a lit candle into the ear canal. Proponents claim it creates suction that pulls out earwax. However, studies have shown that the suction generated is minimal, and the debris found after the procedure is likely from the candle itself. Ear candling can lead to burns, injuries, and wax impaction.

When to Seek Professional Help

Some people are more prone to earwax buildup, especially as they age. If earwax accumulation becomes uncomfortable or affects your hearing, it's time to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can safely remove the excess wax using specialized tools and techniques.

Safe Removal Methods

Over-the-counter eardrops: These drops soften earwax, allowing it to come out on its own.
Professional cleaning: Doctors and audiologists have safe and effective methods for removing earwax blockages.

Prevention Tips

To prevent earwax buildup, doctors recommend:

Gently cleaning the outside of the ear canal with a damp cloth.
Taking breaks from earplugs and earbuds to allow for natural wax expulsion.

The Bottom Line

In most cases, earwax is a beneficial substance that protects our ears. Unless you're experiencing discomfort or hearing problems, it's best to leave your earwax alone and let your ears do their thing.